Chelsea are reportedly preparing a transfer bid for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to replace the outgoing Petr Cech, according to the Metro.

It is no secret that Cech is on his way out of the club this season, after admitting he does not intend to sit on the bench next campaign while Thibaut Courtois holds the number one spot.

And reports have claimed the Blues are searching for a new stopper to act as backup to Courtois and are hoping that a big pay rise and guaranteed football in the cups will convince the Bosnian his future is at Stamford Bridge.

Begovic, 27, was left out of the Stoke squad for the weekend fixture against Swansea and is not set to regain his place for the rest of the season.